There's no time like the present!

While it's true that "checking in" should be a regular part of our routines, it can sometimes be overlooked. Now is an ideal time to ensure we're gearing up for success in H2.

I like lists, they help me remember stuff. Something about writing things down commits it to the old 'noggin (usually). The tasks outlined below vary; some require conversation, others are action items to be completed offline, and some will take longer than others to complete. Involve your direct reports where possible, particularly for addressing any identified shortcomings. They're often closer to the process and can offer innovative solutions you might not have thought of. I've struggled with several of these during various "seasons". Lately, I've had to frequently remind myself to prioritize my time. Remember, if everything is a priority, then nothing is a priority. That said, my advice to you is to personalize this list based on your circumstances, prioritize items in it, and then go forth and conquer. For me, scheduling tasks ensures they get done. (I live by my calendar!) Tackling these tasks in smaller, manageable pieces rather than all at once will help ensure a smooth transition into H2. It's fine if some tasks extend into Q3. Having a roadmap and a plan to address them is already a huge win!

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Check In With Your Teams:

• Facilitate "stay interviews" to encourage feedback and promote team member retention.
• Are team members on track with their performance goals and growth plans? What support or coaching do they need from you to exceed?
• Where does your organization stack in a 9-box talent matrix? How strong is your bench? Are succession plans outlined?

Check In With Your Stakeholders:

• Review your company's goals, stakeholder's business objectives, and procurement category strategies. Then, assess vendor performance. Realign where necessary.
• Are there any expected fluctuations in your stakeholder's business forecasts for H2 that will impact your team's capacity?
• Review year-to-date procurement and vendor-related metrics specific to your stakeholder's functional area. Discuss any gaps or risks, and the plan to resolve them.
• Are there any unplanned cost savings that your stakeholder needs Procurement assistance with in H2? (Perhaps they've had unexpected expenses that they need help offsetting with vendor savings instead.)
• Align on any new initiatives, updates, changes, etc.

Check In With Your Critical and Strategic Vendors:

• Is vendor performance on track? If so, celebrate wins! If vendors aren't passing muster, develop an exit strategy to replace them with those hungry to earn and keep your biz!
• Are there any vendor risks or corrective action plans that require intervention?
• Are vendor contracts still meaningful? Develop a plan for updates where needed.
• Get up to speed on new products, key initiatives, and thought leadership they bring! Are there opportunities your company isn't exploring and should be?
• Take the opportunity to reaffirm your commitment to the relationship.

Review Your Business Process & Technology:

• How is your organization performing with its' year-to-date performance goals vs targets? Is there any course correction needed?
• Are you on track with your annual operating plan and budget? Conduct a capacity look-ahead & sanity check with your Finance partners, adjusting if necessary.
• Dust off your process maturity assessment, taking note of the progress made vs. targets set. If you've not yet done a process maturity assessment, schedule time to complete one during H2.
• Is the technology stack utilized by your teams, and to interact with your teams, still providing value as expected? Is there room to automate? If changes are required, get it on the backlog list, or bake it into your 2025 budget.
• Are your processes efficient, easy to navigate, and free of red tape? Are team members and stakeholders educated on the processes and technology, and is stakeholder adoption on track?
• Are there any new laws or regulations that you or your organization needs to get up to speed on? Are there any changes needed to policies, procedures, or technology as a result?

Check In With Your Network:

• Take a moment to call, e-mail, or grab a coffee with old colleagues and friends. Stay connected.
• Be a servant first! Explore ways to add value, help, and connect folks in your network who can benefit from each other or have things in common.
• What industry trends, best practices, and challenges is your network seeing? Look for opportunities to learn and grow from each other.

Check In With Your Leadership:

• Review near and long-term roadmap. Share results\ progress from the process maturity assessment.
• Discuss how your organization is impacting the company's overall business strategy. Provide an executive summary of key points (people, process, technology, metrics, etc.).
• I like the "start\ stop\ continue" approach for feedback. It's straightforward and actionable.

Check In With Yourself:

• Are you on track with your 2024 goals? Revise as necessary!
• Are you living your values? Eliminate things that don't align.
• Are you unapologetically prioritizing time for what matters most, professionally and personally?
• Are you practicing healthy habits in your personal life with things like nutrition, exercise, finances, hobbies, and your mental state?

Stay focused, take it one step at a time. You've got this—let's make H2 amazing!

#procurement #vendormanagement #TPRM #strongertogether